34 Patients Break Out of Live Well De-Addiction Centre in Biswanath

Overview

• The breakout occurred on Friday when 34 of about 44 residents forced open an iron-grilled entrance at the Live Well centre and dispersed across Biswanath town.
• Escaped patients have accused centre staff of long-term physical and mental abuse, use of iron rods, inadequate food and missing medicines, and some pleaded with police not to be returned.
• The Social Welfare Department filed a complaint that led to an FIR and police investigations that have resulted in multiple arrests while owner Munna Hazarika remains absconding.
• District authorities ordered a formal inquiry and sealed two de-addiction facilities, with an inquiry officer tasked to examine records, take statements, and report within seven days.
• Police teams are tracing missing patients and contacting families for safe returns, and the case has raised urgent questions about regulation, oversight and care standards at private rehab centres.